How to Calm Dogs During FireWorks
Addressing Dog Anxiety
I am the Original Holistic Pet Health Coach, and am now training passionate pet parents, and pet professionals to be Certified Holistic Pet Health Coaches so that more pets can be helped holistically.
Fireworks are a popular part of summer fun. They are often associated with watermelons, the Fourth of July, and spending time with your beloved dog. While your dog may enjoy many summer activities with you, they might enjoy the quiet and colorful fireworks less. Sometimes, even a single loud celebration can make a dog very scared and nervous. Some dogs are affected so much that they can’t function properly during and after a fireworks show.
These dogs try different things to help themselves feel better. They might try to run away from home, scratch the carpets, look for dark and cozy places to hide in or go behind a bathroom sink or toilet. Some dogs keep walking back and forth and won’t pay attention to their owners trying to calm them down. They show signs of stress like heavy breathing, big eyes, sweaty paws, fast heartbeat, not wanting to eat, making sad noises, inability to relax, and dog shaking from fireworks. If you want to make sure your dog doesn’t get scared or anxious on Independence Day, there are things you can do to prepare in advance.
Here are 5 ways to help keep your dog calm during fireworks
Shower them with affection and positive attention. A common misconception is that giving attention to your fearful dog will only reinforce their fear. This notion is entirely false! In reality, the opposite is true. Your dog relies on you for guidance and support. Ignoring your dog or leaving them to cope with their fear alone will not teach them anything. Never, under any circumstances, punish a dog for feeling afraid. This will only intensify their anxiety. So, if your furry friend becomes anxious due to loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, show them with love and affection calmly and joyfully. Show them that you are there for them and will keep them safe. Pet, cuddle, and massage your dog to help them stay calm and content. Eventually, they should start associating the scary noises with something positive – your attention and love – and will respond with less fear.
One of the simplest and best ways to care for your pet during fireworks is by staying home with them. Your furry friend feels safest and most comforted when you’re around, and no one else can provide the same level of care and reassurance as you. So, if a fireworks event is happening in your neighborhood, it’s essential to check the event calendar and ensure you’re there to support and comfort your pet.
During the fireworks, there are several things you can do to keep your pet happy and calm. You might consider cooking your favorite meal using the unique Original CrockPET® products. Not only will this make their taste buds happy, but it will also create a sense of familiarity and comfort in their surroundings. Sharing a tasty meal can strengthen the bond between you and your pet and make the whole experience more positive and enjoyable.
In addition to that, spending quality time engaging in activities that your pet loves can help distract them from the loud noises outside. Grooming sessions can be a great way to relax and bond with your pet as you care for their fur and make them look and feel their best. Alternatively, you can snuggle up together and enjoy a movie. This creates a cozy and secure environment where your pet can feel safe and protected.
To ensure your dog’s sense of security, providing them with a comforting space is essential. This can be achieved by allowing them access to a crate or a cozy corner in a room. Keep in mind this designated spot and make sure it is easily accessible for your dog, removing any safety gates that may obstruct their path during times of stress. Keep the crate door open as a welcoming gesture for your pup.
When the fireworks begin, you can help alleviate your dog’s anxiety by playing calming music or increasing the volume on the TV. This can distract from the loud noises and provide a soothing environment. If the fireworks are nearby, drawing the blinds will minimize the intensity of the explosions’ glare.
If you’re searching for additional techniques to comfort your beloved canine companion, consider exploring the benefits of using a ThunderShirt. This innovative vest has been thoughtfully designed, drawing inspiration from the age-old practice of swaddling infants. Notably, its efficacy extends beyond alleviating anxiety during thunderstorms—it can also be remarkably effective in calming dogs amidst the cacophony of fireworks.
The ThunderShirt operates on the principle that gentle, constant pressure can create a calming effect on dogs, similar to the feeling of being hugged or embraced. By applying consistent, reassuring pressure to your dog’s body, this specialized vest aids in reducing stress and anxiety, allowing them to feel more secure and relaxed during distressing situations.
For those who find themselves constrained by financial considerations, fear not! You can still create a makeshift ThunderShirt that provides comparable comfort for your furry friend without breaking the bank. Procure a long blanket and carefully wrap it around your dog’s torso and chest, ensuring a snug fit without excessive tightness. This homemade alternative may possess a different precision and tailor-made design than an authentic ThunderShirt. Still, it can serve as a viable option for pet owners seeking a budget-friendly solution.
When dogs get anxious during fireworks, it is often because they are overwhelmed by the loud noises and bright lights. They may become restless, pace around, or even try to hide in fear. By providing them with adequate exercise before the fireworks, you are helping to release their pent-up energy and create a calmer state of mind. When dogs are physically tired, they are more likely to feel relaxed and less prone to anxiety.
Engaging in activities that tire out your dog is essential. You can play with your dog games like fetch or tug-of-war, set up an obstacle course in your backyard, or even enroll them in agility training classes. These activities not only provide physical exercise but also challenge their minds, keeping them mentally stimulated. When dogs are mentally tired, they are less likely to focus on their fears and anxieties.
By ensuring that your dog is well-exercised before the fireworks, you are setting them up for success. Instead of having an abundance of energy to devote to their anxiety, they will have depleted their stamina and be more inclined to relax. This can make the fireworks experience less stressful for both you and your dog.
As pet owners, it is understandable that we are concerned about our furry friends’ anxiety during fireworks displays. The loud noises, bright lights, and sudden bursts can overwhelm dogs, often leading to anxiety and fear. Fortunately, natural supplements may provide relief without harsh side effects. In this section, you will explore some natural supplements that can be considered for dogs experiencing anxiety during fireworks events.
BacopaPlus Drops - Cognitive Support for Your Pets
As pet owners, it is understandable that we are concerned about our furry friends’ anxiety during fireworks displays. The loud noises, bright lights, and sudden bursts can overwhelm dogs, often leading to anxiety and fear. Fortunately, natural supplements may provide relief without harsh side effects. In this section, you will explore some natural supplements that can be considered for dogs experiencing anxiety during fireworks events.
In addition to boosting brain function, BacopaPlus Drops also reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. The combination of Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, and BacopaPlus Drops helps calm your dog’s nerves, promoting relaxation and preventing potential health issues associated with chronic stress. By incorporating this supplement into your dog’s routine, you can give them the support they need to feel more secure and at ease during fireworks, ensuring a happier and healthier experience for your furry friend.
Clarity - Mental & Brain Supplements for Dogs
Clarity, a soothing brain supplement for dogs, offers a natural solution to anxiety during fireworks. It contains a blend of medicinal mushrooms and herbal extracts that promote calmness, mental Clarity, and emotional stability in dogs. By incorporating Clarity into your dog’s routine before fireworks, you can help reduce their stress and create a calmer environment. This allows your furry friend to navigate the festivities with less fear and anxiety, making the fireworks experience more enjoyable for both of you.
One of the critical ingredients in Clarity is Bacopa Monnieri, an herb known for its anxiolytic properties. It can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, providing a sense of relaxation and emotional well-being. Additionally, combining medicinal mushrooms and herbal extracts supports dogs’ cognitive function and emotional stability. Lion’s Mane mushroom, another important ingredient, improves cognitive performance and memory recall, enabling dogs to think more clearly and adapt to stressful situations. When combined with the calming effects of ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri, Clarity helps your dog maintain emotional stability and cope better with the loud noises and sudden bursts of light associated with fireworks.
Dog Anxiety Vest
An innovative solution has been developed to provide anxious dogs with extra comfort and support during anxiety-inducing situations like fireworks. This solution comes in the form of a specially designed vest that works in conjunction with the Calmer Canine Separation Anxiety System, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing canine anxiety.
The Calmer Canine Anxiety Vest is not a standalone therapy vest, but rather an accessory that complements the Calmer Canine device. When used together, these two products create a powerful anxiety treatment system for your beloved canine companion. The vest’s unique design and features are designed to work in harmony with the Calmer Canine device, providing additional benefits and maximizing its calming effects.
One of the key advantages of the Calmer Canine Anxiety Vest is the extra layer of comfort it provides to anxious dogs. The vest applies gentle, soothing pressure around the dog’s torso, simulating the sensation of being hugged or swaddled. This gentle pressure has proven to have a calming effect on dogs, reducing their anxiety levels and helping them feel more secure and relaxed.
In conclusion, there are several ways to calm dogs during fireworks. Show them affection, stay with them at home, create a safe space, use a ThunderShirt or blanket for comfort, and exercise them beforehand. Natural supplements like BacopaPlus Drops and Clarity can also help reduce anxiety. By implementing these strategies, you can help your dog feel safe and relaxed during fireworks displays.
